Splint

ABSTRACT

A splint for suspension and traction of the extremities wherein same is supported and a flexible extension of the support extends along below the patient towards his head and can be so arranged that the splint rises as a unit when the patient raises up; and when the thigh is in traction, the extension means is secured to the patient&#39;&#39;s body at a point not lower than the hips.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Joseph Alexander Bailey, 11

550 Broadway, Baltimore, Md. 21205 1211 Appl. No. 755,883 [22] Filed Aug. 28, 1968 [45] Patented June 8,1971

[54] SPLlNT 12 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 128/85, 128/87, 128/94 [51] Int. Cl A611 5/04 [50] Field of Search 128/85, 84, 70,71, 87, 94;5/120, 127, 81,89, 83, 85

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,347,396 7/1920 Mulvany 128/85 2,052,990 9/1936 Siebrandt [28/85 2,260,216 10/1941 Doyle 128/85 2,301,534 11/1942 Goodwin 128/87X 3,472,224 10/1969 Ewerwahn l28/85X Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner--J. Yasko Att0rneyWard, McElhanon, Brooks and Fitzpatrick ABSTRACT: A splint for suspension and traction of the extremities wherein same is supported and a flexible extension of the support extends along below the patient towards his head and can be so arranged that the splint rises as a unit when the patient raises up; and when the thigh is in traction, the extension means is secured to the patient's body at a point not lower than the hips.

PATENTEUJUH 8197i 3593 3955;

SHEET 3 or 4 4770 WEYS PATENTED JUN 8 I97! SHEET Q UF 4 INVEN'I'OR.

III

SPLINT This invention relates to splints, and more particularly to splints for use in reconstruction of the hip, knee, leg and arm requiring suspension, and in the treatment of fractures of the thigh, hip and am or the like, requiring traction.

Heretofore, there were four types of splints that were generally utilized in treatment of problems mentioned involving the hip, thigh or knee: the Thomas splint comprising a U- shaped frame with appropriate supporting means, and a generally circular head fixed to the open end of the frame; the Murray-Jones splint which is similar to the Thomas construction except that the circular head is pivotally connected to the frame; the Hodgen splint wherein a semicircular head is fixed to the frame in lieu of the circular Thomas head; and the Keller-Blake splint in which a semicircular head is pivotally connected to the frame. In each case, the patients thigh is supported between the sides of the U-shaped frame and the circular or semicircular head is positioned firmly against the patient's groin essentially to maintain the thigh and leg stationary during suspension, and to react against the torso during traction.

Each of the foregoing known splints embody certain disadvantages and has presented certain difficulties in use. Thus, since it is often necessary for patients to remain in suspension for anywhere from ten days to three weeks, or in traction from five to eight weeks or more, it will be appreciated that the known splints can and often do cause sores and lesions in the groin; and this is particularly aggravating in patients with skin problems to begin with. Additionally, the known splints are generally available in only a standard size so that most patients are not as comfortable during suspension or traction as they might otherwise be.

However, the most serious problem presented by splints of the known types is one of hygiene. Thus, it is exceedingly difficult and often quite impossible for a patient to avoid soiling any of the known splints with normal excrement and excretions. Such soiling is difficult to deal with without a laborious and time consuming change of splint, which procedure can also interfere with the healing process, especially where traction is involved.

In addition, none of the known splints mentioned above are useful in connection with suspension or traction of the arm because of the construction of the circular or semicircular heads.

I have conceived a splint which eliminates each of the foregoing difficulties and disadvantages, and which can be utilized in treatment of the arm as well as the hip, thigh or knee. Thus, I contribute a splint, for the purposes mentioned, which eliminates the circular head of the Thomas and Murray- Jones splints and the semicircular head of the Hodgen" and Keller-Blake splints, but which gives full support to the patient, permits full hip flexion and knee extension as well as hip adduction and abduction, and shoulder flexion and elbow exercise when used for arm treatment, and in connection with which the well known Pearson attachment can conveniently be used.

Broadly defined, my invention comprises a splint of the class described comprising a U-shaped loop the sides of which are substantially parallel, a web of flexible material extending across between the upper ends of the sides of the loop for supporting the thigh of a patient, and extension means connected to the web for flexible movement relatively thereto and extending along beneath the patient toward his head.

For reference, direction and position are referred to as the splint is applied to a patient.

A small lifting force may be exerted on the splint in the area of the web, and the extension means may be placed under slight tension by a force which preferably, though not necessarily, has an upward component whereby that portion of the entire splint supporting the limb being treated tends to lift as a unit to maintain full support when the patient raises himself up. The web and extension means are constructed of a heavy fabric such as canvas so that the extension and its connection to the web can flex as necessary. The forces referred to are provided by the usual weights connected to appropriate parts of the splint by ropes or cables reeved over sheaves conveniently positioned on a conventional frame in a manner whereby both weights and cables are of least annoyance to the patient and allow maximum freedom of movement.

According to one aspect of the invention, the extension means may move laterally relatively to the web to permit hip or shoulder adduction and abduction, and for this purpose I employ elastic gussets where the web and extension means join.

Another important aspect of my invention resides in its adaptability for use in either suspension or traction. For the latter application, it is particularly desirable to eliminate the adverse effects of the circular and semicircular heads of the known splints already referred to while providing means to contribute the necessary reaction to the tractive force applied to the leg, for example. To this end, l provide one and preferably two straps which may be conveniently attached to the extension means and fit around the patient not lower than the hips to secure the patient to the extension means, and thus to hold his body stationary while a tractive force is applied to his leg, for example.

As has already been mentioned, the present splint, unlike those known splints alluded to hereinbefore, can be used for treatment of arms by suspension or traction since no circular or semicircular head is used. For this purpose, the splint would be dimensionally smaller than one for use on adult's leg; but such smaller splint could be used on childrens legs as well as on adults arms. In this latter case, provision is made to employ a gravity sling, and a Pearson attachment may be employed and mounted to permit elbow exercising.

Another feature of the invention resides in the construction of the wire frame or loop in a manner whereby it can be adapted for use in connection with either arm or thigh. Thus, the web is strapped to a curved transverse member extending across the parallel legs of the U-shaped frame or loop and which is always concave relatively to the limb being supported. One leg of the frame is longer than the other and is placed outwardly at its free end to avoid interference with the patient, the shorter end terminating short of the groin. To make the frame reversible for use on either extremity, the curved, transverse member is pivotable through an arc of and the legs of the frame are formed with stops to maintain the transverse member in either of its extreme positions. Additionally, each free end of the frame legs are fitted with pivotable rings which can swing around the ends of the legs and to which the weights can be tied. An appropriate left or right web is attached to the transverse member according to the extremity being treated.

The web may also be made reversible for use with either the right or left extremity by make it, for example, somewhat elastic and tubular so that it may be turned inside out to be fitted over the frame for either application.

Further specific features and advantages of the invention will be hereinafter more fully set forth with reference to the annexed drawings, showing a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and certain modifications thereof, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating my splint applied to a patient in suspension and employing a Pearson attachment;

FIG. 2 is a side view ofa patient in suspension;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a splint according to the present invention rigged for suspension;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the splint shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary exploded view of the splint of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of my splint rigged for traction;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a patient in my splint as arranged for the application of traction;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a splint according to the present invention showing its application to an upper extremiy;

FIG. I is a partial plan view of the splint of FIG. 9;

FIG. II illustrates a different application of the splint; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating another form of frame.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. I and 2 thereof, there is shown a patient reclined on a hospital bed and with his left lower extremity in suspension by means of a splint Ill according to the present invention. The splint is shown to comprise a generally U-shaped frame 12, the legs of which underlie and are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the patients left thigh. A web I4 of canvas or the like extends across between the legs of the frame adjacent their free ends, and is connected to an extension 15, which may be a canvas strip integral with the web 14, and which is disposed beneath the patients body towards his head. A ring H6 or other convenient attachment means is connected to each leg of the frame I2 at its free end, and ropes or cables 17 connected to these rings extend upwardly and are conveniently reeved about sheaves or pulleys l9 and are tied to weights 20 that hang freely by gravity.

Actually, as shown in FIG. I2 I prefer that the rings 16 be mounted at the ends of the frame legs so that they may swing around those ends so that the frame may be used in inverted position for a purpose later to be described.

The bight of the frame has a cable 21 tied to it and this cable also is reeved and connected to a weight 22 similarly to cables 37.

The extension I5 is apertured at its distal end for connection to a cable 24 reeved about sheave 25 and connected to weight 26.

In FIG. ll, the bed is adjusted to rest the patients leg horizontally while the thigh is inclined upwardly; but this FIG. also illustrates a Pearson attachment 27 which may be used in conjunction with the present splint to rest the leg in any desired attitude, the attachment being pivotally attached to the frame 12.

From the description thus far, it will be seen that the cables are so disposed that they offer the least obstruction to the patient for such purposes as reading, eating, etc.; and that as the patient raises or lowers his thigh and buttock, the splint moves as a unit to maintain suspension support.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 to 6, it will be seen that the inner leg of the frame I2 is somewhat shorter than the outer leg so as to avoid contact with the patients groin. As best shown in FIG. 6, the legs are equipped with a curved transverse member 29 to which the web 14 is connected by straps 30 in a manner to be described. The member 29 may be pivotally connected to the frame I2 so that it can swing through an arc of substantially I80"; and stops 31 are formed on the legs of the frame to limit pivotal movement of the member 29 in either direction (see stops 62 in FIG. 12).

It will now be appreciated that the frame can be used in treatment of either the right or left leg of a patient since the rings 16 can swing to a position to connect with cables I7 on either the obverse or reverse side of the frame. The member 29 may also be arranged to shift between positions, as will later be described, so that it will present a concave support beneath either a left or right thigh with the short leg of the frame always between the patients thighs.

The web 14 may be formed with opposite wings 32 which fold about the legs of the frame 12 between the member 29 and rings 16, and these wings are hemmed at their ends and apertured so that they can be laced together beneath the frame as shown in FIG. 4. As also seen in that FIG., the straps 30 fold around the member 29 and are buckled to underside of the wings 32.

The web is formed with a concave recess 34, as viewed in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 to allow clearance for bed pan use and other hygiene functions.

The extension is an elongated canvas strip shown integral with the web and provided with a grommeted aperture 35 at its distal end to which the cable 24 may be tied. The web and extension are slotted as at 36 and 37, respectively; and elastic gussets 39 are provided in the area at which the web and extension merge to allow relative shifting of the web and extension during hip adduction and abduction during suspension.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the splint is shown adapted for thigh or hip traction. In this case, an elongated strap 40 extends along the upper surface of the extension (FIG. 7), passes through the slots 36 and 37, and is secured to the underside of the splint as by buckles 41 conveniently located for the purpose (FIG. 4). A chest strap 42 and a hip strap 44 are sewn to the strap 40 and extend laterally therefrom in both directions at These straps 42 and 44 encircle the patients chest and hips, respectively, and are buckled, each to itself. Soft pads 45, adjustable along the straps 42 and 44, distribute the pressure of the straps at the patients ribs and hips.

As shown in FIG. 8, the patient in traction absorbs the reaction to the tractive force through the straps 40, 42 and 44 while the web 14 supports the thigh; and this is accomplished without the need for circular or semicircular heads urged into the patients groin, thus avoiding the discomfort and frequent soreness and lesions attendant upon use of splints embodying such heads, and obviating the problems of soiling inherent in the use of such splints.

It has been mentioned that the present splint can be used, in a smaller version, for treatment of upper extremities and for the lower extremities of children. For this purpose, it will be appreciated that the frames can be made of telescoping parts adapted to be locked in the desired position by conveniently located set screws; and that webs of different sizes may be supplied as needed.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, there are shown various applications of my splint to upper extremities. Thus, in FIG. 9 the right arm is shown in treatment with the suspension cables omitted for clarity, using Dunlops traction as at 50 and a Pearson attachment as at 51, the latter being connected to an elbow exercise weight 52 by cable 54. In this illustration, there is shown a gravity humeral sling 55 weighted as at 56; and to permit the use of such a sling, the web 57 is slotted as at 59 (FIG. 10).

FIG. 11 illustrates the right arm in treatment for a fracture of the humerus and employing suspension weights 60 and traction weight 6ll, the latter attached to a pin (not shown) through the patients arm.

In the illustrations of FIGS. 9 and 11, the web 57 extends along under the upper arm and the extension passes along under the shoulders and out towards the opposite side of the bed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the respective advantages noted for lower extremity support and traction are applicable to upper extremity treatment.

It has been mentioned that splints of the present type are reversible, i.e., useful for treatment of either the right or left extremity; and for this purpose, I prefer that the transverse member 29 (FIG. 12) of the frame 112 be rotatable through an arc of In this embodiment, the frame is formed with stops 62 to maintain the transverse member in either desired position.

The web may also be made reversible by making same of an elastic or stretch material and in tubular form so that it can be reversed by turning it inside out; or it may be made to wrap around the frame and be fastened with either of two sets of hooks and eyes appropriately positioned; or it may have sets of eyes so positioned as to engage hooks on the frame and transverse member in either position.

I believe that the construction of my novel splint will now be understood and that my invention will be fully appreciated by those persons skilled in the art.

I now claim:

I. In a splint of the class described, limb-supporting means including a rigidifying element having a front portion and a rear portion arranged to underly and support the limb of a patient, attachment means associated with said first mentioned means for securing same to elements for exerting a small lifting force on said first-mentioned means relatively to the weight supported, flexible extension means being of the order of the length of the limb supporting means and extending rearwardly thereof and being associated with said limb-supporting means for movement relatively thereto and adapted to be placed under tension whereby said underlying means will remain in supporting contact with the patient upon lifting of the patient's limb.

2. A splint according to claim 1, wherein said first-mentioned means is slotted to receive the ends of a sling.

3. A splint according to claim 1, wherein means are connected to said extension means to maintain same under tension.

4. A splint according to claim 3, wherein the force causing said tension is directed so as to have an upward component.

5. A splint according to claim 1, wherein said first-mentioned means comprises: a U-shaped frame of wire the sides of which are substantially parallel to the patients thigh and a web of flexible material extending between the upper ends of the sides of the loop.

6. A splint according to claim 5, wherein said frame includes a curved transverse member to which said web is secured, said member being swingable through an arc of substantially 180 whereby said frame is adapted for use on left or right limbs.

7. A splint according to claim 5, wherein elastic means are provided to permit lateral movement of said extension means relatively to said first mentioned means.

8. A splint of the class described comprising: limb supporting means including a U-shaped frame the sides of which are substantially parallel, a web of flexible material extending across between the upper ends of the sides of the frame for supporting the limb ofa patient, and flexible extension means being of the order of the length of the limb-supporting means and connected to said web for movement relatively thereto and constructed to extend along in a direction opposite the bight of the frame.

9. A splint of the class described comprising: limb-supporting means including a U-shaped frame the sides of which are substantially parallel, a web of flexible material extending across between the upper ends of the sides of the frame, flexible extension means being of the order of the length of the limb-supporting means and connected to said web for movement relatively thereto and constructed to extend in a direction opposite the bight of the frame, and means adapted to secure said extension means to a patient's torso.

10. A splint according to claim 9, wherein said securing means comprise at least one strap connected to said extension means and adapted to encircle the patients body.

ll. A splint of the class described comprising: limb-supporting means including a U-shaped frame the sides of which are substantially parallel, a transverse member pivotably connected at its ends to the sides of said frame between its extremes, means limiting pivotal movement of said member to an arc of the order of a web of flexible material extending across between the upper ends of the sides of said frame and attached to said transverse member, and flexible extension means being of the order of length of the limb-supporting means and connected to said web for movement relatively thereto and constructed to extend along in a direction opposite the bight of the frame.

12. A splint according to claim 11, wherein said web is reversible relatively to said frame whereby when said frame is inverted and said transverse member pivoted from one extreme position to another, said web may be employed with said frame thus permitting treatment of either limb of a patient. 

1. In a splint of the class described, limb-supporting means including a rigidifying element having a front portion and a rear portion arranged to underly and support the limb of a patient, attachment means associated with said first mentioned means for securing same to elements for exerting a small lifting force on said first-mentioned means relatively to the weight supported, flexible extension means being of the order of the length of the limb supporting means and extending rearwardly thereof and being associated with said limb-supporting means for movement relatively thereto and adapted to be placed under tension whereby said underlying means will remain in supporting contact with the patient upon lifting of the patient''s limb.
 2. A splint according to claim 1, wherein said first-mentioned means is slotted to receive the ends of a sling.
 3. A splint according to claim 1, wherein means are connected to said extension means to maintain same under tension.
 4. A splint according to claim 3, wherein the force causing said tension is directed so as to have an upward component.
 5. A splint according to claim 1, wherein said first-mentioned means comprises: a U-shaped frame of wire the sides of which are substantially parallel to the patient''s thigh and a web of flexible material extending between the upper ends of the sides of the loop.
 6. A splint according to claim 5, wherein said frame includes a curved transverse member to which said web is secured, said member being swingable through an arc of substantially 180* whereby said frame is adapted for use on left or right limbs.
 7. A splint according to claim 5, wherein elastic means are provided to permit lateral movement of said extension means relatively to said first mentioned means.
 8. A splint of the class described comprising: limb supporting means including a U-shaped frame the sides of which are substantially parallel, a web of flexible material extending across between the upper ends of the sides of the frame for supporting the limb of a patient, and flexible extension means being of the order of the length of the limb-supporting means and connected to said web for movement relatively thereto and constructed to extend along in a direction opposite the bight of the frame.
 9. A splint of the class described comprising: limb-supporting means including a U-shaped frame the sides of which are substantially parallel, a web of flexible material extending across between the upper ends of the sides of the frame, flexible extension means being of the order of the length of the limb-supporting means and connected to said web for movement relatively thereto and constructed to extend in a direction opposite the bight of the frame, and means adapted to secure said exTension means to a patient''s torso.
 10. A splint according to claim 9, wherein said securing means comprise at least one strap connected to said extension means and adapted to encircle the patient''s body.
 11. A splint of the class described comprising: limb-supporting means including a U-shaped frame the sides of which are substantially parallel, a transverse member pivotably connected at its ends to the sides of said frame between its extremes, means limiting pivotal movement of said member to an arc of the order of 180*, a web of flexible material extending across between the upper ends of the sides of said frame and attached to said transverse member, and flexible extension means being of the order of length of the limb-supporting means and connected to said web for movement relatively thereto and constructed to extend along in a direction opposite the bight of the frame.
 12. A splint according to claim 11, wherein said web is reversible relatively to said frame whereby when said frame is inverted and said transverse member pivoted from one extreme position to another, said web may be employed with said frame thus permitting treatment of either limb of a patient. 